Sail the Great Barrier Reef

Starting from: $AU260.00

Tour Overview

  • Passions of Paradise Cairns is a 25m air-conditioned sailing catamaran that keeps their number of passengers to 80 people, this way avoiding the crowds.
  • Tour: Two unique outer reef locations with a choice of 24 private moorings
  • Departure location: Cairns
  • Ideal for snorkelling
  • Suitable for couples & backpackers
  • Number of passengers: 80
  • Reef locations (permit areas): two unique outer reef locations with a choice of 24 private moorings
  • Number of reef sites visited: 2 sites
  • Tour duration: 08:30am – 5:00pm
  • Travelling time to the reef: 1hr & 45min
  • Time exploring the reef: 4hrs 30min
  • Vessel type and size: Motor Catamaran with sailing on the way back / 25 meters
  • Free guided snorkel tour

Video

Sail the Reef

Sail the reef on a 25 metre air-conditioned catamaran that departs daily from Cairns. Passions of Paradise has earned many environmental awards for their commitment to research, education and conservation of the World Heritage area.

They keep their number of passengers to 80 people, this way avoiding the crowds and making it more comfortable for costumers to snorkel or dive.

The day starts with a Marine Naturalist providing travellers with extensive information about the Great Barrier Reef. This educational presentation is done on the way to the reef.

The vessel sails to two unique outer reef locations with a choice of 24 private moorings. Each day they choose the best two sites accordingly to the water conditions so travellers have the best experience possible.

The day includes snorkelling equipment, a hot and cold buffet lunch freshly prepared by the onboard chef, morning and afternoon tea, guided snorkelling tour and Marine Biologist presentation.

Extra activities include:

  • Introductory diving (for clients who never dived before)
  • Certified diving (qualified divers)

What's included in the main price

  • A stylish fast and modern catamaran
  • Air conditioned saloon
  • Free tuition for those who want to learn to snorkel
  • Tropical buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes (with prawns and fresh tropical fruit)
  • Highest quality masks, snorkels, fins and scuba diving equipment
  • Free flotation vests to aid non swimmers
  • Free guided snorkel tour
  • Morning tea (fresh brewed coffee and muffins)
  • Afternoon tea (cheese platter)
  • Marine Naturalist presentation on coral and bird life
  • Sailing on the way home to Cairns (weather dependent)
  • Introductory dive
  • Certified dive
  • Wetsuits and sun suits
  • Underwater digital camera hire
  • Prescription masks

Tour Itinerary

Time Description
07:30-08:00 Check-in at the Passions of Paradise desk inside the Reef Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
08:00 Boat departs Cairns Marina
Travel time is 1 hour & 45 minutes direct from Cairns to the reef
10:15 Boat arrives at the first locations
Enjoy around 4 hours & 30 minutes exploring two locations at the outer reef
15:15 Boat departs the reef
17:00 Boat arrives back in Cairns
  • Swimmers
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Dry change of clothes for the trip home
  • Extra cash or a credit card for any onboard purchases
  • Motion sickness tablet is recommended 30 minutes prior to the boat departing
  • Diving card and log book for certified divers

Please Note:
All Divers: In accordance with the Australian diving law, ALL DIVERS must complete a medical questionnaire on board, before diving.
Flying after diving: If only one dive is undertaken then a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If more than one dive is conducted in the day, an interval of 24 hours is recommended.This is not applicable for low helicopter flights over the reef.
Introductory Divers - NOTE: Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving (e.g. Asthma, Heart Disease), please contact our office. Min. age to dive is 12 years.

Tour Prices

Rates & Tariffs

Season: 2024 - 2025 Rates Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 Action
Main Tour (Snorkelling) $260.00 per adult
$160.00 per child
$740.00 per family
Additional Extras Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025
Return coach transfer (Cairns City) $20.00 per adult / $20.00 per child
Return Coach Transfer (Northern Beaches) $30.00 per adult / $30.00 per child
Introductory dive (1 dive) $90.00 per adult / $90.00 per child
Certified dive (1 dive) $75.00 per adult / $75.00 per child
Certified dive (2 dive) $130.00 per adult

Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Family Price: 2 Adults & 2 Children.
Reef Tax: $15.00 is levied for all adults and children entering the Great Barrier Reef. This charge and other levies are INCLUDED in the cruise fares.

Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.

Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.

Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.

Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.

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